Key Takeaways

• Independent testing detected chromium, arsenic, and nitrates above commonly used long term health-based guidelines.
• Chromium measured 0.0012 mg/L, about 61 times higher than a daily health-based target used for long term exposure.
• Arsenic measured roughly 14 times a health guideline, and nitrates measured roughly 3 times a health guideline.
• Beneficial minerals can coexist with harmful contaminants.
• Meeting legal limits does not guarantee alignment with cancer risk benchmarks used by toxicologists.

Buyer Checklist

• Look for spring waters with frequent third-party testing.
• Review full contaminant panels, not just mineral profiles.
• Avoid relying on a single historical lab report.
• Consider filtration that targets metals and nitrates.
• Compare brands using independent lab data, not origin stories.

Waiakea Water Lab Results

Volcanic spring water is often marketed as exceptionally pure. Water safety is determined by laboratory results, not branding.

Recent independent testing of Hawaiian volcanic spring water sold under the Waiakea brand found beneficial minerals alongside contaminants above health-based guidelines used by toxicologists and public health researchers.

Chromium in Waiakea Water

Laboratory analysis detected chromium at 0.0012 mg/L. This is approximately 61 times higher than a commonly used daily health-based guideline for long term exposure.

Chromium occurs naturally in volcanic geology. Some forms, especially hexavalent chromium, are linked to:

• Stomach and intestinal cancers
• Cellular DNA damage
• Long term gastrointestinal inflammation

Regulatory limits are significantly higher than some cancer risk benchmarks. Water can remain legally sold while exceeding more health-protective targets.

Arsenic in Waiakea Water

Arsenic measured at approximately 14 times a health guideline. Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid commonly found in volcanic regions and groundwater.

Chronic low level exposure has been linked to:

• Skin, bladder, and lung cancers
• Cardiovascular disease
• Developmental effects in children

Even when arsenic remains below legal maximum contaminant levels, elevated long term intake remains a public health concern.

Nitrates in Waiakea Water

Nitrates measured at approximately 3 times a health guideline. Nitrates commonly enter groundwater through:

• Agricultural fertilizer runoff
• Septic system leakage

Elevated nitrate exposure is associated with:

• Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes
• Infant methemoglobinemia
• Potential developmental impacts

Volcanic geology does not prevent nitrate contamination when surrounding land use introduces nitrogen compounds into aquifers.

Fluoride in Waiakea Water

Fluoride was detected in the water. Fluoride naturally occurs in many volcanic water sources.

Low levels can support dental health. Some studies link elevated chronic intake to:

• Thyroid disruption
• Skeletal fluorosis
• Neurodevelopmental concerns at higher exposures

Minerals and Contaminants Can Coexist

Waiakea water contains electrolytes including:

• Sodium
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Mineral content can support hydration and electrolyte balance. Mineral presence does not offset biological risks tied to elevated metals and nitrates.

Why Label Claims Are Not Enough

Brands are not required to notify consumers when contaminant levels shift, mineral content changes, or source conditions vary. As long as water remains below regulatory maximums, no disclosure is required.

That does not guarantee alignment with long term health-based targets used by researchers. Groundwater chemistry can change over time, especially in geologically active regions.

How to Choose Safer Drinking Water

For long term daily drinking, consider:

• Choosing spring waters with frequent third-party testing
• Reviewing full contaminant panels
• Avoiding reliance on single historical reports

Filtration can reduce metals and nitrates. Many filters also remove beneficial minerals, which may require remineralization if water is a primary electrolyte source.

How to Compare Lab Results Before Buying

Independent lab data allows consumers to evaluate:

• Heavy metals
• Nitrates
• PFAS
• Industrial byproducts
• Mineral balance

Do not rely on geographic origin or brand reputation alone.

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References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Chromium in Drinking Water

World Health Organization — Arsenic in Drinking Water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking Water

California OEHHA — Public Health Goals for Drinking Water Contaminants

National Academies of Sciences — Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA Standards

U.S. Geological Survey — Groundwater Quality and Volcanic Regions